Schilky and Schmooth

Shampoo and conditioner, toiletries that can either be the bane of our existence or goods that provide an Herbal Essence-like shower experience. I'm assuming that most of you would choose the latter. So how can you go about finding the perfect duo for your hair care needs?

A few key questions to ask yourself are:

1) How often do I shampoo and condition?

2) Is my scalp dry, itchy, normal, or oily?

3) What am I willing to spend on these products?

If you shampoo daily, you may want to reconsider this frequency. Every hair and scalp type is different, but ideally you should shampoo every 2-3 days max as part of your regimen. Shampooing daily can strip your hair of it's naturals oils, ultimately leaving your locks dry, brittle and prone to damage and frizz. A good rule of thumb to follow is the more frequent you shampoo, the lighter your product should be. You don't need a heavy shampoo or deep conditioner every other day. The excess moisture and oil could be weighing your hair down or clogging your follicles and pores. If you exercise daily, try a dry shampoo or just using conditioner as an alternate remedy.

As for your scalp, many shampoos and conditioners cater to what your skin needs as well as your hair. Many people disregard scalp health in trying to achieve the healthiest hair possible, but just remember, healthy scalp promotes healthy hair growth. If you do suffer from dandruff, invest in shampoos that contain higher levels of zinc in them. Zinc treats the symptoms and causes of dandruff, unlike other ingredients that just mask the symptoms. If you have dry scalp, invest in a moisturizing shampoo. If your scalp is normal, maintain it's health by getting a pH balanced and/or a daily shampoo. As for oiliness, look for a clarifying shampoo that rids the scalp of excess oil and built up product.

On average, professional shampoo and conditioner should cost about $15-$20 each. Public name brand products may be found at a convenience store, but these over the counter bottles are not guaranteed by professionals. In fact, many of these products are diverted from their original sources. Diversion is when products are rerouted from their original intended destination to another. This may sound like a good business move, but most of the time it's illegal because companies have a say as to where there products are sold. Many department stores and sites that sell diverted products may not be aware of this but these products could easily have been tampered with, diluted, or are expired and developed toxic/unhealthy levels of bacteria growth. Beware of diversion!